Question Regarding My Shaw Cable Modem
Rick
Surfboard cable modem and I have single host directly connected (no
hubs, routers, etc) with a standard (RJ45 ???) ethernet cable from the
ethernet port on the back of the modem to an ethernet card installed on
my machine. Everything is running fine.
Question: I'm going to be getting a second computer very shortly and
would like to have internet access for that machine as well. I know I
could probably set up Windows ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) but that
means either buying a router or a second ethernet card for the sharing
host.
But I see on the back of the modem a second port located immediately
below the ethernet port. It's labeled as USB and looks like a standard
USB cable would fit in there. What is this second port intended for?
Could I use it to create a second connection directly to the other
computer? If so how exactly? I mean if I plug it into a USB port on my
second computer will that usb connection act the same as an ethernet
connection and be used to transit TCP packets?
Any help or advice (beyond "get yourself a router") much appreciated.
Clueless Newbie
around $40 (with Wi-Fi a bit higher) and provides not only a connection for
the second computer but also blocks out virtually all attempts to gain
access to your computer. They're not complicated and don't require any great
knowledge or experience, just reading the installation instructions on
setup. Using one should be mandatory for all users because it's the best
form of firewall and Shaw's Secure program will deal with most of the stuff
that arrives attached to data you willing drag in. You can also buy an
Ethernet switch for about the same money but it won't give you any firewall
protection.
"Rick" <newsgr...@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:gth0m.14556$AL2....@newsfe10.iad...
Iowna Uass
>
> But I see on the back of the modem a second port located immediately below
> the ethernet port. It's labeled as USB and looks like a standard USB cable
> would fit in there. What is this second port intended for? Could I use it
> to create a second connection directly to the other computer? If so how
> exactly? I mean if I plug it into a USB port on my second computer will
> that usb connection act the same as an ethernet connection and be used to
> transit TCP packets?
>
The usb port is for direct connection to a single computer. There is no way
to connect 2 computers to one cable modem.
Also, if you were to purchase a switch, you would have to pay Shaw for a
second IP address, unless you have the higher tier internet packages.
Another option is if your next computer has 2 ethernet ports, you can set up
an ICS, but the sharing computer will always have to be on when you want the
other computer to access the internet.
I'm not sure what your aversion to routers may be, but the hardware firewall
is a good safety measure for any home network. There are plenty of cheap
used routers to be had and a new one starts around $30.
Shaw is pretty much plug and play on the router thing.
The Wizard of Oz
There ARE USB NICs. However the speed of the USB is much slower than
that of Ethernet. Particularly if you have more than one USB device
attached to a computer.
I concur with the others. With multiple computers, a router is the way
to go. It is simple and very easy especially if you have a non-Windows
system on your LAN. Just make sure you do your research first. Some of
the "budget" routers aren't worth it where as others are. Unlike setting
up a router on MTS, all you have to do is set a password and tell the
router to connect to Shaw with DHCP (you may also have to clone a MAC
address, but there is a button for that). I've done eight or ten routers
on Shaw. Some over the phone. All easy.
Later
Mike
Rick
Thanks for the replies everybody! I don't have any aversion to routers,
I just didn't want to spend the money if I didn't have to. The comments
about ICS were helpful -- I didn't realize it would be a large burden on
the host, and completely overlooked that of course the host woud have to
be on all the time for the 2nd computer to have access. Looks like I'll
go the router route for now, but I'll be skipping the wireless. Don't
see any need or point to it at this time for my application.
David Kehler
@newsfe22.iad:
Unless you're on a tight budget, I don't see any reason why not to get a
wireless capable router. You don't need to use the wireless, but it will
be nice if you ever decide to get something like a laptop or a PS3 ...
David
Rick
"David Kehler" <dkeh...@REMOVEshaw.ca> wrote in message
news:Xns9C35D1DEAAEB5dk...@69.16.185.247...
Well ... as it happens I AM on a tight budget. Laptop or PS3 is never
going to happen. So for a cheap second hand router which would you folks
recommend .... Lynksys or DLink ???
Boba & Ilinka
rooter, the speed increased from 1 to 4 MB/s.
Boba Vankufer
Clueless Newbie
> Well ... as it happens I AM on a tight budget. Laptop or PS3 is never
> going to happen. So for a cheap second hand router which would you folks
> recommend .... Lynksys or DLink ???
Of the two I'd go for Linksys because I've had problems with DLink stuff in
the past, but a lot of people swear by DLink. My personal preference is
Netgear switches and gateway/routers.
ing
> Thanks for the replies everybody! I don't have any aversion to routers, I
> just didn't want to spend the money if I didn't have to. The comments
> about ICS were helpful -- I didn't realize it would be a large burden on
> the host, and completely overlooked that of course the host woud have to
> be on all the time for the 2nd computer to have access. Looks like I'll go
> the router route for now, but I'll be skipping the wireless. Don't see any
> need or point to it at this time for my application.
I have a Linksys BEFSR41 (4 port wired) selling for $20.
ingme2
at gmail
The Wizard of Oz
I use a D-Link 603. I have two other friends using the same model. For
wireless (experimentation only - not connected to the net) I have a
D-Link 655. I would have gone with Linksys but it didn't have what I
wanted. Both are 10/100 capable. The 655 also does gigabit. Both are
faster than my Shaw connection.
Later
Mike
David Kehler
news:HTV0m.14811$AL2....@newsfe10.iad:
How about this?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833122275
David
skypilot
since it is US and we are Canadian.
skypilot
my old Linksys B wireless router, using wires and my connection speed is
way faster than MTS download speed.
Adios
Canuck57
Just listening. You should go for a router.
Rick
Thanks again for everyones comments and suggestions. I ended up picking
up a used Netgear RP614 this weekend ... a nice little unit and only
$15. I have my main computer already hooked up and running fine. The
other computer should be hooked up in the next few days.
Frosty
> a used Netgear RP614 this weekend ... a nice little unit and only $15. I
> have my main computer already hooked up and running fine. The other
> computer should be hooked up in the next few days.
If you lucky you'll have a router that doesnt require you to open ports and
stuff, it just works.
Canuck57
Mac G
"ing" <ingme2@@shaw.ca> wrote:
> I have a Linksys BEFSR41 (4 port wired) selling for $20.
It's a very reliable router.
I've had one in 24/7 use for about 8 years.
I've not seen one for $20, though, more like $35 to $55.
Telus just upgraded my service from 1.5 to 6.0 MBPS. With a price
reduction to $30/m.
On a one year contract they gave me a 4P wireless ADSL adapter.
So I'll be retiring my Linksys router while it's still alive.
Darin McBride
> So I have an account with Shaw and I have their Motorola SB51501
> Surfboard cable modem and I have single host directly connected (no
> hubs, routers, etc) with a standard (RJ45 ???) ethernet cable from the
> ethernet port on the back of the modem to an ethernet card installed on
> my machine. Everything is running fine.
Seriously, Windows machine directly on the internet == p0nwage. You should
have always had a router on it. And if you only use webmail, please
prohibit outbound on port 22. Really. We'll all love you for it. (If you
use Outlook, stop it. If you use another email program, you'll have to
leave 22 open for sending.)
Maybe get a Mac or a Linux box. But still, use a router. It's just easier
that way.
Mac G
Darin McBride <dmcb...@naboo.to.org.no.spam.for.me> wrote:
Agree totally.
I have mostly Macs, a few Wintels also, and use a Linksys router which
records attempts to access it.
Amazing how many attempts there are in a short time.